Stakeholder Meeting in Bulgaria

On February 23, 2024, the Devetaki Plateau Association hosted a stakeholder meeting at the Old Mill in Karpachevo — itself a symbol of local cultural heritage. The event gathered 20 participants from diverse sectors to discuss the INHERIT project and its draft training syllabus. During the roundtable discussion, the DPA team presented the project’s objectives and innovative approaches to heritage interpretation and digital storytelling. The participants expressed strong interest in applying digital tools for promoting rural tourism and cultural development in the Devetaki Plateau region.

Feedback highlighted the need for greater attention to tourist safety, more opportunities for peer exchange and joint problem-solving, and a shared enthusiasm for learning new methods. The meeting confirmed broad support for the INHERIT project and a growing local commitment to experiential and sustainable tourism.

Stakeholder Meeting in Cyprus

As part of the INHERIT project, the Kato Drys Community Council in Cyprus conducted a series of stakeholder consultations with representatives from local administration, education, tourism businesses, NGOs, and rural family enterprises. Due to scheduling difficulties and long travel distances, the meetings were held individually, but they provided valuable insights and strong feedback.

Stakeholders responded positively to the INHERIT project’s focus on digital heritage interpretation and experiential tourism development. Despite recent challenges in the tourism sector, including post-COVID recovery, participants saw digitalization as a key strategy for revitalization. The training syllabus was well received, with particular appreciation for its balance between theory and practical application.

While some stakeholders were new to advanced digital tools like AI or augmented reality, they expressed enthusiasm for accessible technologies such as QR codes and digital storytelling. Many highlighted the project's potential to support local economic growth and preserve Cyprus's rich cultural and natural heritage.

Stakeholder Meeting in Slovakia

On March 2nd, 2024, a stakeholder meeting was held at the Lišov Museum, bringing together young and active individuals from rural areas with a strong interest in tourism and culture. The event introduced participants to the INHERIT project, with a special focus on innovative methods for heritage interpretation and digital storytelling. The young attendees showed great enthusiasm for the project’s fresh and engaging approach to rural tourism development. They welcomed the use of digital tools and technologies, expressing particular interest in how these can enhance storytelling and promote local heritage to wider audiences.

Feedback collected during the session reflected a desire to deepen the digital dimension of the training syllabus. Participants suggested the inclusion of more advanced digital methods to help them meet the evolving demands of the tourism sector. The event successfully strengthened youth engagement in rural development while underscoring the importance of innovation in cultural heritage promotion.

Stakeholder Meeting in Spain

On May 7, 2024, a virtual stakeholder meeting was held in Spain with 15 participants representing a range of local organizations, including non-profits, tourism operators, and public sector representatives active in rural development. The aim was to present the INHERIT project, its goals, partner organizations, timeline, and — most importantly — the structure of the training syllabus. The meeting created a valuable platform for dialogue, bringing together owners, tourist guides, and administrative managers. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the project, particularly those from public administration, who saw INHERIT as an opportunity to raise the quality of local tourism offerings and build stronger connections among territorial actors.

While no changes to the syllabus were suggested, several participants asked practical questions about the upcoming training — such as its duration, location, and schedule. Overall, the session confirmed strong stakeholder interest and highlighted the project’s potential to support more coordinated and high-quality rural tourism development.

Impact

The INHERIT Stakeholder Roundtables aimed to gather feedback on the course syllabus to ensure its relevance and practical value for the target group—rural tourism entrepreneurs. 58 representatives of rural tourism businesses, tourism associations, local public bodies, and VET providers participated in these national meetings.

The discussions confirmed strong interest in the project’s focus on experiential tourism, heritage interpretation, and the integration of digital tools. Stakeholders welcomed the course’s practical orientation and expressed a desire for continued collaboration and knowledge exchange. Their input helped refine the training content and confirmed its alignment with real-world needs in rural tourism development.